RJR Nabisco, the big tobacco, consumer foods...

RJR Nabisco, the big tobacco, consumer foods and beverage concern, said its profit from continuing operations spurted 15.4% in the third quarter from a year earlier. The figures for the three months ended Sept. 30 reflect the sale of Kentucky Fried Chicken, which is carried as a discontinued operation. KFC’s earnings for the quarter were offset by a tax provision relating to a gain from the Oct. 1 sale of the business to Pepsico Inc.